I have seen psychiatric diagnoses for people who are dead ?

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Ever read an article or story in a book...that speculates about the mental state of someone who is famous,but dead? What is the purpose of this? What does it accomplish? I am thinking specifically of Van Gogh...who now has a tainted bio of being bi-polar? I have seen speculation on other famous person's mental state and wonder who thinks these things up? Why do 'experts' feel the need to 'diagnose' a person who is dead and gone - just because they are famous? Post humous diagnoses are UNFAIR! The person is not there to defend themself. Do you take these diagnoses seriously? Can you tell me why they possibly could be useful?